St Paul's CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 105498 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Elizabeth Juon

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 8-years, in Cippenham near Slough. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding with bathroom and rest facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and she is currently minding two children, one attending full-time and the other on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate environmental health and hygiene routines. They are cared for in a clean and tidy home and have the freedom of movement to play with the toys inside and out. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet, before eating food and after being outside. The childminder’s correct use of accident and medication records safeguards children’s wellbeing. She holds a first aid certificate and can take appropriate action to care for children in the event of an accident. Children engage in a good range of physical activities that help keep them healthy; such as, music and movement sessions. Children receive nutritious snacks and meals that help them understand foods that are good for them. The childminder stores food appropriately in the refrigerator. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder’s good liaison with parents ensures her understanding of the children’s individual routine and contributes to her knowledge to meet children’s needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are safe, secure and move around freely in the welcoming home where the childminder has minimised the areas of risk. Children have easy and safe access to a variety of toys and resources appropriate for their age. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures; for example, stair gates. The secure outdoor play area is safe for children to enjoy fresh air and play with good quality equipment. The children are kept safe on walks by the childminder’s close supervision and use of appropriate restraints and car seats. The childminder ensures that fire safety equipment and an evacuation plan is available which will enable children to leave the premises in an emergency. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed should concerns arise about a child in her care. This supports children’s wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, content and comfortable in the childminder’s care. They are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 confident to talk to the childminder and visitors. The childminder responds warmly to the children, praising and encouraging their achievements. The childminder makes good use of daily routines, activities, free play and incidental opportunities to promote children’s development and enjoyment. Children show interest and enthusiasm in the activities offered, use their imagination and learn new skills. Children become independent as they choose from the selection of toys and activities available. The childminder encourages conversation and extends children’s play, guiding them to complete activities; such as, puzzles. Positive relationships between the childminder and children are evident which promotes children’s confidence and feeling of security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are fully included in the homely environment by the childminder who works well with parents to meet individual children’s needs. Appropriate paperwork is in place to ensure children’s personal information is up to date. The childminder’s daily feedback to parents helps to provide consistent care between childminder and home. The childminder has an exceptional range of multi-cultural resources; however, these are not readily available to promote positive images to children. Children are involved in decision making when choosing activities. They are beginning to learn about the local community during outings; for example, to the park or parent and toddler group. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of how to care for a child with special needs although currently none attends. Children display a sense of belonging and have comfort and support from the childminder. They learn social skills such as sharing and treating each other kindly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is a good role-model and children respond well to her stable routines for playing, resting and eating

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at home and at ease in the setting. The childminder’s organisation of routine and the environment enhances the care of children and promotes their health and safety. The day is well planned allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. A good two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents ensures continuity to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The childminder maintains appropriate ratios to support children’s care, learning and play. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection recommended that the childminder update documentation to include records of arrival and departure times for all children, provide parents with Ofsted contact details and obtain written parental permission for emergency medical attention. The childminder has made improvements and all required documentation is in place to promote the welfare and care of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • plan activities to ensure children have regular access to resources which reflect positive images and diversity.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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